FYI: Help a Blogger Out would ya?!

Let's just get real here for a minute.  I love blogging.  I enjoy writing and putting my thoughts and ideas down on paper (er...website).  But I also like making a little extra cash for my savings account.  And blogging IS a way to do that.  But for it to happen - I need help. 

And I'm frankly, just not afraid of begging. 

So, I don't have a TON of time always to devote to networking, new ads, etc..etc..etc.  So for money in blogging, I mainly have a few affiliate ads, amazon link ups and those nifty little ad boxes through google below each post.  (Go ahead...scroll down to the bottom of the post and take a gander - you know the ones now?  ok...come back and continue reading).

You see - these linky things and sometimes annoying ads, well, they make me money.  I consider myself a good blogging buddy.  If I stop at your site and read, and you have one of those little AdSense/google ads below - I make sure I click on your link and peruse whatever wares they are selling.  And at times, have actually found those links helpful.  Guess what, in my 5 second journey - I earned you oh, 5 cents probably - but still - I am a good friend - I have your back - you have mine. 

Recently, I ordered a Beth Moore Bible Study book.  I knew I saw a link for one on someones blog, so I went through all of the ones I follow (which by the way is a LOT of blogs!  I could work all day long just reading/catching up on every ones posts!) and found the gal who has done the study and had a link like I have >>> (the ones with the sharpies & cookies over there - yep like those!).  I then clicked on her little ad and ordered my Bible Study.  She got $4 because I did that.  

How dandy is that?!!! 

Guess what!!???!!!  YOU CAN DO THAT TOO!!!  

Seriously - those of you who are fellow bloggers, you know all about the whole monetize part of blogging.  We don't all do this to make money to pay bills, but some of us, really do like to be able to go to our little linky do and pull up our Amazon, AdSense, Google, etc accounts and say  - "send check please" for something every now and then. 

I don't put links over there >>>>just to make the site look prettier.  I'd be posting more pictures of myself if I wanted to do that.  ::snort::  I do it because they are things that I like, approve of and am willing to spend MY money on...and would like to recommend to you.  As well as, wouldn't mind seeing you buy (if needed/wanted) because it profits me. 

I"m not begging you to buy unwanted items.  Or if you don't have time to click on an extra link here and there.  But I'm just sayin' here - if you have a minute and don't mind...I sure would appreciate it!  And my savings account would to.

And you know - the larger my savings account is - the more likely I get to take the "wee child" on a REAL vacation next summer - and trust me - you'll want to read those posts.  Cause an hour car ride with this kid can be torture (he HATES his car seat!) let alone an 8 hour or more car trip for vacation. 

Really, click the link below...or pursue purchasing some Mothers Cookies over there to the right - (Trust me they - if nothing else I have said around her - are TOTALLY worth the time, effort AND money!!!) When you do - you are helping me out - and helping yourself out.  Vacation money = future entertainment via my blog!!!

Yard Sales & Buffalo Wings - the stuff dreams are made of!

Do you ever just take on a bit too much?  Or perhaps...it really isn't too much - but like me - you are a perfectionist and so it becomes too much because of your anal tendencies?

Well, this month, I think I took on a bit too much.

It started with a couple of simple good desires.  I needed some extra money - I have a ton of stuff to get rid of...and thus - the yard sale quest began.  Simple right?  Take the stuff I can't wear, don't wear, don't use and don't need - and sell it to a willing party at dirt cheap prices.  Increase my piggy bank and decrease my clutter.

This picture over here

<<<<<<<  No...not that bad...but really...honestly...some of my closets and cabinets would out the worst "hoarder" to shame.  I'm really very terrible about it.  I am an extremely sentimental person...so I have books and baby clothes and pictures and even shirts that I've worn only one time that have memories attached...and I have a REALLY tough time wanting to let go of them. 

So I tend to "hoard" unnecessary things.  And I have lovely little "piles" of junk all over the place.  Thus the idea of a yard sale began.  Novel idea that is.  Sure...sell your junk..ok...but people...they forget to remind you about needing tables to display it on...stickers to price it with...and mostly...TIME to get it all ready in.

So, on top of prepping for a much needed in many ways yard sale - I also have planned a big party for the very same night of the yard sale.  Why you ask???  Because I am completely and utterly insane and I love to entertain!  ::snort:: That rhymed!  Woohoo!

Also, my beau is out of town (pining away for him as we speak/type) - I have Bible studies to attend, house to clean, laundry to do, kid to feed and care for...I have just life in general on top of piling two rather lofty goals onto my already busy plate!

Thank the Lord for my wonderful friend Glo!  Glo has pitched in - pulled stuff out of closets, folded clothes, shook her head in despair when I said, "but that was the shirt I wore when...." and managed to get me almost ready for the yard sale.  Signs have to be made and put up...a few "pre" things done for the party and really I will be good to go.

I panicked a bit...today even felt overwhelmed somewhat...but honestly...God knows better than we do.  He sent me the help I needed...he soothed my soul...AND...as an added bonus  - he nudged my beau to call me and remind me that I am capable, strong and a good woman.

:-)  But really...next time I mention yard sale AND party in the same week - have me committed!!!

Anyone have a good buffalo wing recipe they want to share???

Feeling Loved

This week has been a rough one in many ways - but ultimately - I am "feeling the love".  I have an AMAZING man by my side (although this week he has been 1500 miles away from me) - I have a TERRIFIC little guy who loves his Mommy & makes my life so much better!  And I have INCREDIBLE friends who support, make me laugh, hug me when I need it and pray when I REALLY need it.

What more could a gal ask for?  (um...a few million might help, but not needed!)  Love...it all boils down to love.  How we show love to others...and how they respond and show it back to us.  Each of our relationships in this life...friends, family, children, spouses, employees and employers...how much they would be improved if we just simply showed love. 

People get hung up on the idea of love always being romantic in nature.  And yes, that is one of the best and most fulfilling loves there is...but that is NOT the only love around.  Not at all.  Love is a choice...love is something...an action...we can show every day in so many ways.  We can show love in our attitudes, in how we do our work and business dealings, in how we react to trying situations.

Love is the beginning and end of everything we do.  The problem is...we as humans...as Christians...forget all about love most of the time...because we have this not so great problem called - Selfishness.

Today, I am choosing to love...there are some people and things I don't want to love...but I am choosing to.  And the more I choose to love...the more loved I feel. 

Thank You GOD for all the people who today alone have made me feel loved! 

What Defines "Family"?

I have posted in the past about some of the titles I have worn in my life.  Daughter was probably the first title I ever wore. Then I became Mom, Single Mom to be exact.  Then I became Wife...then there was Mama again...and now I bear the title of Single Mom again to go along with the new title of "Divorcee".

Each of the titles in my life have had to do with my position in "a" family.  But really, what does define the word Family? Over the last several years I have seen proof that flesh and blood has nothing to do with what I call family on this earth. 

In a recent email, I was discussing family with someone and they made the same comment - flesh and blood doesn't automatically make someone your family.  There are many relatives we know or don't even know who we wouldn't consider a part of our "family" but a lot of friends that we would.  And then today, another fellow blogger asked the question (she is 8 months pregnant currently with her first) "At what point or when did you first feel like a 'family'?"

I have family all over the world by my definition.  The majority of my "flesh and blood" relatives live in Arkansas where I live, but a good percentage of them I would rather NOT claim as family.  ::snort:: In seriousness, a lot of my relatives I wouldn't recognize if I ran right into them, because they have never been a part of my daily life.  Yet I have friends who I call family who live all over the world who I would recognize at first glance and run and hug and kiss and feel right at home with...because what makes a "family" is how we treat and act and love another individual.  Not whose DNA runs through our veins.

I was married for 4 years to a man who I still love dearly.  "We" could never make it.  We gave it our all (well, I did at least, his effort is questionable. lol) but it takes two to make things work and we weren't in agreement.  He may no longer be my husband, and in some cliche ways I don't think I ever truly felt like "we" made a picture perfect family (ahem..complete lack of family photos kind of proves that huh?).  But he will still always be a part of my family.  We share a son and he will always be a part of my life and in my heart. 

My best friends in the world - those I run to, call out to, text or email at 2am when I feel I can't make it - only one of them is flesh and blood family (sister!).  But my sisters in heart live all over the world and I would pull them right into my family picture in not time flat. 

"M" - lives here in my hometown.  We talk rarely because of both our schedules being so wild...but she is that friend I can call when I REALLY need someone and she will be there.  She has watched me grow up over the last 10 years and she loved me as an immature woman/child and loves me now as a still growing woman.

"K" - we are 726.45 miles apart according to Map quest - but she is as close in my heart as if she lived next door to me every day.  I often refer to her as my sister because we are so close.  She is family..and when she lost a child last year...I wept with her as if it was my own flesh & blood.

"E" & "M" - younger than me by a few years...at times I feel like I take a mothering role in their lives...mentoring and leading...and at others...their wisdom and words leads ME.  Yet as much as they are from different parts of the world - thousands of miles apart by birth - they are my sisters, my friends, my family.

"S" & "J" - who I have only ever met via Internet forums, Facebook and chats...texts and emails exchanged...they...they are there at 2am when I need someone to listen, to pray, to cry with me.  Family knows no bounds.

My ex husbands other ex's and their children - my former stepchildren - siblings to my son...and even their other kids by other men who aren't blood related but are related in heart...these are part of my family too.  Every child who I have ever called son or daughter will always be that to me.  No matter what a piece of paper says - they are mine and I am theirs.  I display my "kids" pictures proudly and am happy to speak of their accomplishments to anyone who will listen. 

Family is not defined by whose name is on a birth certificate, whose DNA or genetic markings match yours.  Family is not defined by names on a piece of paper joined together and posted with a stamp at the county clerks office.  Family is something that happens in our hearts...and is encouraged and strengthened by the way we love and treat each other every day.

This past Sunday evening, I enjoyed the privilege and pleasure of "hosting" a couple from my church for dinner.  Alongside them, I had my boyfriend and my son.  Sitting on my living room floor watching my "boys" playing together and the young couple in love smiling at one another on the couch...I saw right then what my family was.  Faces and smiles flashed through my head...a collage of people who have meant so much to me and become my family...whether they are my flesh and blood or not.

Needless to say...I feel blessed to have my "FAMILY".

Best Road Trip Songs EVER!

Yesterday on my Healthy Living Blog I posted a list of my favorite workout songs.  Then I was reading a fellow blogger recent posts of her first road trip with her hubby and the vlog posts with him singing along to road trip music...so..today...it's time HERE to post a list of:

THE BEST ROAD TRIP SONGS EVER

::drum roll please::

(okay, so we are going with the top 15 - counting down to my all time fave)

15.On The Road Again  - Willie Nelson

(Self Explanatory I would hope)

14. Take It Easy - The Eagles

("...driving down the road trying to loosen my load..." HAVE to love that!)

13. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynard

(AWESOME song to sing at the top of your lungs!)

12. Escape (The Pina Coloda Song) - Rupert Holmes

(It gets stuck in your head and easily could be played over and over and over and not get sick of it!)

11. Tiny Dancer - Elton John

(remember the seen from "Almost Famous"...I can so get into singing along with everyone in a tour bus!)

10. Thank God I'm A Country Boy - John Denver

(I always think of that scene in the old Pauly Shore movie "Son in Law" when I hear this!  Love it!)

9. Who Let the Dogs Out - Baja Men

(Small kids in car...especially boys...definitely a good song!)

8. You Told Me You Loved Me Baby  - The Carpenters

(Why can't I find the song title?  Not sure...but we ALL know this song...as seen on Tommy Boy...ah...yes..memories!)

7. All Summer Long - Kid Rock

(just shouts summer road trips!)

6. Every Rose Has It's Thorn - Poison

(childhood memories)

5. Hotel California - The Eagles

(they are my favorite group of all time - you didn't seriously think they wouldn't be on here AT LEAST twice, did you?)

4. His Cheeseburger - The Veggie Tales

(just dadgum hilarious - especially when you've been on the road all night and ARE starving for a cheeseburger at 3am {or some good Mexican})

And the top 3 are::::

3. Layla - Eric Clapton

(he's down on his knees people!!)

2.  W.O.L.D. - Harry Chapin

( I just love Harry Chapin - His greatest hits album should actually just be the whole playlist probably.)

1. Red Red Wine - Bob Marley

(it's just so easy to sing along with!)

Remember - the ultimate Road Trip Songs have not so much to do with what genre of music you love the most - but with what is fun, easy to sing along with, everyone knows the words to, and a really good distraction from screaming children - loads of traffic and weird people in Winnebago's passing you because you are going entirely too slow on the interstate. 

No more Mourning - Here Comes the MORNING!

I almost posted a YouTube link to Donna Fargo's "Happiest Girl in the Whole USA" because that's just how I feel right now. But, considering how many of my readers don't care for country music, I decided against that. However, know that I do indeed feel like the Happiest Girl around right now.



Psalm 30:5, "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."


I've made a lot of not so smart choices in my life which led to a rather lengthy "night". But now, God has shown me his favor in my obedience to him...and I am seeing my "morning".


Today, someone became "Jesus" to me on earth. Well, actually, multiple people did. And once again, I have to say , "GOD IS GOOD. ALL THE TIME!"

Before I even arrived at work today, I had not only been blessed by kind words of affirmation from someone special in my life, but also a great hug and kiss from my little boy - who declared when I got him out of the van at daycare that I was, "a good mommy". :-)


Then later in the morning, my pastors wife and one of my best friends showed up with a special treat from Sonic for me and a card! A few laughs and a couple of hugs later they were out the door leaving me feeling loved and appreciated and needed. But before their parking spot got cold - my "fella" showed up with more encouragement and to remind me I was special to him too.


Now what more could a girl ask for?

There are days when the past and bad choices and consequences get me down. When I worry about the future and the choices I make each day NOW and pray that I am doing the right things and THIS time following God's leading and not my own selfish desires. And there are still, even now, nights when I weep for what "might have been" or for the hurts that still linger.

But God loves me. He loves me enough to give me a time of "morning". Not mourning...but MORNING. He wakes me at daybreak to the sun rising and reminds me that the night only lasts but a time...that the tough days are for but a season....and "morning" is indeed coming...and if not here already...just around the bend.


Today - I smile...I am happy...I see my Morning...and I know there will be more nights...and things won't ever be perfect...but I trust God. I trust that my MORNING will ALWAYS come.

I am IN LOVE!!!

There aren't many things in this life that I feel are expensive yet justifiable expenses.  I am pretty thrifty.  I use coupons, I shop ads, I buy in bulk when it benefits me.  I wear the same shoes and clothes until they are worn out or thread bear generally (hopefully too big before that though).  I buy things when needed, but due to lack of income over the years, I have learned to do without things I once thought were necessary (shaving cream and new shoes for each new outfit are a couple).

So, this weekend, when browsing through Sam's Club "gettin my bulk on", I stumbled across an expense that was totally irrational...totally wrong...totally without just cause...

But I couldn't resist.  I fell into temptation and I blew the $9.97  without remorse:

24 Pack of Sharpie Gorgeous Wonderful Fine Point Pens. 

::swoon::

This is what makes a girl smile! :-)  So many colors, so many things to write and doodle on!  Yes, completely unnecessary - but oh so wonderful! 

Yes - I am IN LOVE - with my new multi color box of Sharpie Fine Point Pens!  AND - although I won't do it - my boss gave the ok to write it off and reimburse myself as a business expense since I am going to use them at work sometimes.  Hehe...I'm such a lucky gal!

So if you want to be happy like me and fall in love today - go on over to my cool little Amazon bar on the side >>>> and click on the link and buy yourself some totally awesome Gorgeous Luscious Wonderful Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers!  They make EVERYTHING better!

Manna From Heaven - In the Form of a Cookie

You hear about foods that are regional and you hear people brag about how good "this" or "that" is and you humor them....nod your head...say, "I'm sure they are!" and in the back of your mind you think, "Really?  It couldn't be THAT good could it?"

After a recent conversation with someone, I thought similarly.  That sure, the cookies are probably great, but really?  They couldn't be the "best ever". 

I was WRONG.

They ARE indeed some of THE BEST cookies that I have ever tasted.  Second now only to Ambrosia Bakery's Cowboy Cookie. 

Drum Roll:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Mother's Cookies

Thus far I have only tried the Circus Animal and the Taffy Cookies - but can I say - OH MY SOUL!!! 

Now, don't look at the nutritional info - they are not diet friendly - but they are indeed worth every single gram of fat and every single calorie.  They are melt in your mouth deliciousness.  Not too soft, not to crunchy.  Cooked to perfection cookies with flavorful icing and fillings and

OH MY SOUL!!!

I am not joking here people.  They are not even available in the stores in my area - simply a friend sharing their mail ordered stash.  But I'm telling you - go online - find the website - go to Amazon - do whatever it takes - ORDER THEM NOW!!!! 

You Will NOT be disappointed!  :-)

Next on my list of must haves is the Iced Lemon.  Just the thought - I love lemon flavored cookies & cakes and as good as the Animal & Taffy are - I am SURE these will be unreal good. 

So next time you see me and notice cookie crumbs on my blouse or around my mouth, don't laugh...don't point it out, just nod your head and say, "Mother's Cookies?"  And get away if my hand is still in the red & purple bag.  Like a ferocious animal - I will bite if you try to steal my "Manna from Heaven".

** If you are interested in ordering Mother's Cookies because you aren't abe to find them in your area - I have included a link >>> to them in my Amazon Toolbar >>>  They are definitely worth buying! :-)

Woes of New Relationships

I am an adult.  I have 2 children.  I have been single, single mom, married and now divorced.  And yet, as I approach a newish relationship with a great man...you know what I am afraid of? 

Meet The Parents

Not his....oh no, not concerned about his.  They either like me or they don't.  And I'm pretty sure if he likes me his parents will.  He's just that kind of man.  But it's my parents that frighten me. My liking someone and approving of them...well...that's not "enough" for my parents.

You see...they are really great judges of character. I have no problem with them meeting him and thinking he has bad character or has any "skeletons" in his closet.  He is a great man.  Decent, upstanding, hard working, intelligent, nice, etc., etc., etc.

 (Should have listened to them before though about others.  Might not have that divorce listed up there if I had). 

BUT they are also very, very, very loving and very, very, very picky.  About their girls. About who is good enough for their daughters. 

Ultimately, they want the best thing for us.  They want us happy, well provided for, loved and living a good and decent life.  But, they are "old school" and well, frankly I wish I had been too.  Lots of heartache in doing things your own way, ya know.  In being old school...the whole "single mom", "baby out of wedlock", "divorced"....all of those things are no-no's in their book.  And, if I'm brutally honest, if I dated and didn't kiss the man or hold his hand until our wedding day (as some people I know actually do - cheers for them!  Wish I had that kind of strength/thought before!) they would be pleased as punch.  And I am in total agreement with them about that.  I think a world of heartache and problems and emotional discontent could be solved if we did things the way they did "back in the day".

But reality is - in this day and time - that doesn't happen much.  And for me - in my own personal life, I already made mistakes, I already made poor choices....so now I am a divorcee with 2 sons by 2 different men and have to work full time outside the home and most likely both my kids will attend public school.  I have already made choices in my life that prevent me from having that "perfect...by the books...fairy tale without problem" relationship or marriage. 

Yet somewhere in the last few years, my parents lose sight of the wrong "I" did and still want the ultimate best for me.  And I am glad they do.  But in that, I know they may still, no matter how good the man in my life is, make the comment of, "you could do better" or "he's not good enough for you" or simply "I don't like him.".  And that scares me. 

I feel like I should indeed seek the approval of my family.  My parents.  My Father.  Yet, it is my life.  I am an adult.  And I have made enough mistakes in my past to hopefully prevent big ones like that in the future. 

No...I'm not getting married again.  Don't get the cart before the horse.  But I am looking at things this way:  if I am going to start a relationship with someone at this point in my life, I'm not going to look at it as a fling or just a few dinners out.  I'm looking at it as a possible long term relationship and the thought that there will be a day that my Mom and Dad will meet this individual and approve or not approve I feel is being realistic. 

Loads of prayer....LOADS of prayer and asking God to guide me in my choices...yep...that is definitely the best direction to go. 

Cause I know my Dad....and this may be how the first meeting goes:

Nice, friendly, all smiles.  Nothing noticeable.  Nothing bad at all.  Leave feeling good about it all!

And a few days later...or at the next family event...I find my boyfriend missing...mysteriously whisked away by my Dad...

And I find out

"Happy Happy Joy Joy"

This past weekend - the past 4 days of my life - have been some of the best I have ever been blessed with.  Time with great friends, new & old, family, church and just lots of wonderful memories made.  It makes me think of a little song that goes something like this::

Happy Happy Joy Joy Happy Happy Joy Joy

Happy Happy Joy Joy Happy Happy Joy Joy

Happy Happy Joy Joy Happy Happy Joy Joy

 

Come along friends and take a little trip back to the early '90"s with me. Remember these guys:

I have to admit, back in "the day" I didn't even get to watch this cartoon.  My dad thought it was a bit too crude.  Reading the lyrics to the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" song, I guess I can understand.  Perhaps not the best cartoon for a young child.  Nevertheless, I knew the song - at least the chorus - and every time I have something exciting happen or feel like celebration is in order - I start singing the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" song.

Shall I name my blessings?  Well of course I should! 

It started Friday morning with my homeowners insurance company calling me about the storm damage I had on my house from a few weeks ago.  You can read about it in more detail here but basically - I was surprised by how above and beyond the company went in my settlement.  HUGE blessings for me financially & physically within my home.  Just an AWESOME start to the day!

That evening, my son and I had the privilege of going to a local fireworks display with some new and old friends.  Made some great friends that night that I can't wait to get to know better AND managed to have a great time!  Ate some ice cream, corn dog, watched a few fireworks...walked a mile back to my van....but had just the best time ever - and my little man had a blast!

Saturday we had a great time at a Sunday School 4th of July Picnic/Celebration.  A lot of food, fun, people, laughs - just a great way to spend our Saturday Evening. 

Sunday we had wonderful services at church - our pastor delivered an awesome message as always - music was - well - patriotic - and we all know how I feel about patriotic music (sorry folks!).  And then Sunday afternoon/evening was spent with my parents & older son and friends of the family eating even MORE good food and watching MORE fireworks!!!

Monday, the end of our long weekend - was a productive day at home cleaning and organizing.  Had some furniture rearranged and needed to pack up some things to be moved.  And then ended the day with a friend taking my boy to watch his very first movie theatre movie - Toy Story 3 - which he loved and did FABULOUS watching! 

Yes - a truly blessed weekend and I am still doing the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" Dance today!

There were moments of sadness and moments that things didn't go perfectly or just as planned, but overall - it was one of the best Holiday Weekends I've ever had and I am still thanking God for his rich blessings on my life.  I don't deserve what he gives me - but I am so very thankful that he does!

For My Daddy

I want to say - that I am a patriotic person.  Although some would state otherwise - this is NOT the case.  I truly appreciate everything that our military and soldiers do for us every single day.  One of my best friends just completed a 6 month tour in Kuwait.  I owe her so much and she knows how deeply I appreciate her personal sacrifices for my freedom...as well as the sacrifices of so many others.

But I am going to admit here...just a few days before our nation celebrates Independence Day...that I cannot stand patriotic music. 

I'm Sorry!  If it offends you - please forgive me.  I just have a "bad taste in my mouth" over most patriotic music. 

Just like I don't care for Heavy Metal or Gangster Rap - I don't care for most Patriotic Music.  And you have to admit - almost all patriotic songs have that similar "twang" to them.  Nails on chalkboard.  Nothing to do with the lyrics...the reason behind them...it's very simply...I don't care for the music.  I'm sorry...again...forgive me.

This has something to do with years and years of attending one particular church where they did huge patriotic productions around the 4th of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.  I had no problem with the productions...expect for this one minor detail: 

Lee Greenwood - "Proud to be an American"

I (and my father) cannot stand to hear Lee Greenwood sing.  Nothing he sings appeals to me.  His voice - yes - it's like nails on chalkboard for me.  Thus - his patriotic song - most popular ever sang - drives me to the brink of insanity. 

There was a man within the church who has a beautiful voice.  He is incredibly talented and I LOVED hearing him sing anything - except for that particular song.  And he of course, was who sang that song every single time they had a patriotic "anything" at the church.  He in general, sounded nothing at all like Lee Greenwood...but as soon as he stepped in front of the microphone to perform, "Proud to be an American", it was as if - Lee Greenwood possessed his body.  In voice, in mannerisms...and at times...eerily...he began to look like him!  My Dad I believe, if memory serves correct, even once walked out of the service during the song because it nauseated him so much.

8-\

A bit frightening...and yes...so many many many times hearing him sing that song...I became...shall we say...rather disgusted with most patriotic productions. 

So, this is all to tell you - if I don't just jump up and down screaming or weep uncontrollably at the sound of a patriotic song - don't think I don't care or don't appreciate what my country is or what my soldiers have done for me. 

Simply blame it on Lee Greenwood and the man who shall remain nameless who sang just like him so many many times.

So...without further ado...just for my Daddy: 

Lee Greenwood "Proud to Be An American"